Ontario French Speaking and Skilled Trade Express Entry Draws – January 13, 2021
On January 13, 2021, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) issued notifications of interest (NOI’s) to candidates under Ontario’s Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker and Skilled Trades streams.
Overview of the OINP French Speaking Stream
The OINP French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream draw issued 146 NOI’s to candidates with a comprehensive ranking system score (CRS) between 456 and 467. These scores are about 20 points higher than the typical CRS scores targeted. This could potentially be related to the fact that IRCC increased the number of CRS points for French Speakers in October 2020. Ontario’s French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream is an enhanced PNP stream that is aligned with Express Entry. A job offer is not required; however, the candidate must have a bachelor’s degree, one year of work experience depending on the federal program you wish to be assessed against (Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class) and CLB 6 in English and CLB 7 in French.
Overview of the OINP Skilled Trades Stream
For the OINP Skilled Trades stream draw, the OINP issued 338 NOI’s to candidates with a CRS score between 434 and 460. This was a General Draw, so there were no specific trades that were targeted. This stream provides foreign nationals with Ontario work experience in eligible skilled trades to apply for permanent residency. There must be an intent to reside in Ontario.
OINP Process
In order to qualify for the OINP French Speaking or Skilled Trades Stream, you must have a valid profile in the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC’s) Express Entry system and receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) before you can apply online to be nominated by the Ontario government for permanent residence.
All applicants must receive an NOI from Ontario before applying online to be nominated by the Ontario government for permanent residence. There is no indication of how long it takes to get an NOI. Receiving an NOI does not guarantee an invitation; rather, once you receive an NOI, you have 45 days to submit an application in the OINP e filing portal. Once your application is reviewed, you will receive a decision on whether you qualified for Ontario’s EE French-Speaking Skilled Worker stream. The next step after OINP approval is to receive a nomination, and once you do, you will receive an additional 600 points to your overall CRS Score, essentially guaranteeing an Invitation under EE.
The application fee under the OINP is $1,500.
If you receive a nomination, you will receive an additional 600 points to your overall CRS Score, essentially guaranteeing an Invitation under EE.
Our firm is here to help! If you received an Invitation under the OINP and have questions regarding permanent residency in Canada, please contact us for additional information.
